Dear Self,
As I look back into my past actions, I realize that there were things that I should have changed. It’s interesting how so many authors, politicians, philosophers have written about ‘the past’ in relation to our present selves, but we continue to belabor the point. McCarthy states in All the Pretty Horses, that “Scars have the […] View
I hope this letter makes its way to you in heaven. It saddens me that it took the news of your passing to learn that you were the one who created the cute cartoon show, The Backyardigans.
I was entering my 20s and living with my oldest sister and niece in Maryland, when I discovered your show. My niece and I were enjoying another kid’s show called The Wonder Pets. It took a little while for me to get into that show. But, once I did, I enjoyed it to the point where I believed I enjoyed that show as much as my niece did.
It was a blast watching the three main characters on The Wonder Pets have their adventures and talk to other animals in their world.
Once I was eager to watch The Wonder Pets, I noticed your show, The Backyardigans would come on before The Pets. It looked interesting. But I wasn’t sure I would like it as much as The Wonder Pets. I’m so glad I was wrong about that.
Slowly but surely, my niece and I would start watching The Backyardigans as much as The Wonder Pets.
Listening to the theme song of The Backyardigans was always a great way to start the day when I was babysitting my niece. It was also fun seeing what the main characters would be up to in the episodes we saw together.
Watching my niece light up when your show and The Wonder Pets came on TV made me light up in seeing how happy you made her. She’s 16 now– which is hard for me to believe. But I’ll always remember those times I had with her watching your show and The Wonder Pets early in the morning.
So thank you, Ms. Burgess, for creating a show that gave me memories with my niece as well as all the other work you’ve done. Just from looking at some of your photos online, you looked like you were a sweet person who gave other people joy.
I wanted to show a measure of gratitude to the women in my life, from my mom, sister and all of my female friends and acquaintances. Today, tomorrow and all of the days that follow.
It’s with that idea in mind, that the following poem comes from…
On International Women’s Day
A shout out to all the women
From all walks, ages of life
And all corners of the globe
Showing backbone that keeps the world together
Through shows of tenacity, strength, kindness and love
I ought to know this for sure
For their courage and ambition
Coming to the forefront time and again
I look up to the women in my life
My mother, my sister and oh so many more
As their encouragement makes me who I am
We celebrate them and admire them
Every day of the year, not just today
Aww Oswald, thank you for this. You have such a beautiful heart and I love how you celebrate others, including women. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of The Unsealed family. <3 Lauren
March 7th is your birthday. I was planning to post this on the 6th, as it would fit the theme… premature, or just because this is so hard to get through that I wanted to do it early.
Then again, it is the 6th in California, where my sister lives – who is due to give birth on the 9th.
So, who knows, she can be getting contractions as I write this! .
Hello future Weber,
For future comparison, please note: the line below details what time this sentence was written:
Sentence was completed at 9:33 pm 3.6.24 (PST)
I will see you soon!
Love,
Uncle Jakey💜
Anyway, back to the premature thing.
MLT YOU💜 ME because I was born prematurely at 1lbs 13 oz, giving me cerebral palsy – It feels really weird to be talking about myself in YOUR bday card, CONVENIENTLY weird!
Your favorite thing to do was to ASK me how I was doing and there to share all the moments with me🥲
Alright, let us get back to MYSELF🤔 I think that would make everyone happy😂
In all seriousness, you ARE at your HAPPIEST when the attention is on others. I’ll take it and run!
Our relationship iS STILL as close as ever!
I may not be able to physically hug you, but I know YOU ARE STILL HERE because I see the signs:
Whether it’s with family or things that I do, I do NOT doubt that you did not have anything to do with Lexi, finding a Jeffrey, Ryan finding a Pamela (I’m a little upset with that one because there is only one Pamela Tick, but that’s ok, Pamela’s maiden name is Katz (like Nanny Sheila’s)!
Me:
The Unsealed with LAUREN, my psychologist —who has a disability, and lost a cousin, my best friend, Mack, who I met at a special Olympics event!
In these ways, YOU ARE IMPACTING EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY ME, SHOWING ME, that love can be experienced by ANYONE, ANYWHERE, disability or not!
I would say, until we see each other next time, but I see you EVERYDAY!
Until I can give you a PHYSICAL HUG, sending all of them up into HEAVEN! That and a Black & White Cookie for Papa Donald!
Another day rises from the ground
But with a different flavor to it
A day of traveling and clearing the cluttered mind
And also creating a wonderful time
Let the special day start with eating some delicious breakfast
Food that speaks to my soul
That makes me feel whole
And inspires me to conquer the road
When the road and I meet
Some of my favorite songs and I greet
Like it’s the first time
We’re getting to know each other’s mind
As I unwind during this special time
While jamming and cruising on an unknown highway
Various historical statues and beautiful land catch my eye
Giving me a positive high
That I don’t want to end
But continue to ascend
And embrace this rare feeling
A beautiful beach awaits me
And hypnotizes my eyes
With its waves
It waves at me and says ‘’come on in’’
But, before I take my first jump
I just want to stare at its beauty
And take a million pictures of it
Then I charge to the calming water
Like a soldier ready to do battle
But only remain in the safety zone
While watching others enjoy themselves
The perfect ending to a perfect day
It would be great to have another perfect day tomorrow
If only this could become a reality.
For now, wishing and dreaming about it will surface
Growing up on Sailor Moon
And looney toons
Slip and slides
Always with soapy eyes.
Carefree summers
We were Beach bummers
Adulthood far from our minds
Ice cream of many kinds
Man hunt and freeze tag
Always up for a good fart bomb gag.
Childhood was a bliss
Something you’ll always miss.
Hey Al, your poem perfectly captures the carefree joy of childhood. It brought back memories of summers filled with fun and laughter. Amazing poem, very light hearted and playful use of language. I love it!!!
Lips receding to the crease of stilled waters, underneath the bosom of the moon. The tide is forever in quivering forms. Yet there is beauty in the way the figures sit, a calm in the exciting exercise for life’s sake. Time is forever in turning sails and moments constructed for the weathering of space and travel when harsh Squall perceived the deluged. Where are these inexhaustible Dispositions, these sounds to first utter the song of life. I want to hear this Song of Songs and Ballet to the grace of Ouayet caressing hymns. Listen as it wanders into the ears of man and whispers a prayer of Tolerance for the Middangeard yet harshly speak to the soul. Don’t lie in your speech and yet don’t comfort the weak. Be as you are and your voice shall sing in the tune of navigation until the sun reaches the moon. Siyabonga for how I see you full and Siyabonga for how you return from distant stars and a form I can love to learn. I hear the Song of Songs and now I collapse to the weight of its existence, this is the allure of your frequency and the power of your youthful butterfly. May the sail cast shadow of your safe returning to the Enterprise of a slight smile.
Rashan, your letter is a beautiful expression of longing and admiration. The imagery and metaphors used create a sense of deep emotions. It is evident that you have put a lot of thought and passion into your words. Well done!
Thank you I appreciate it I try so hard sometimes to come up with the right words for how I feel and they come up sometimes in this metaphysical passion I can’t explain lol.
Humanity’s echoes through the eyes of the world in the lens of nature
Tears grew at the edge of the firmament, and i wiped away the fear of a never again sun. It was the crystalized feeling, the waves acting as middlemen to the light which guided you to my daily turmoils. It was in that moment I realized that eye was just the seer to a placement of watchful effigy. The world is the viewer and we are just the microorganisms, the germ within the bosom of life and the glare within the retina of the retaining layers. When there is a sense of wonder the seas recreate the flood over terrains of debris as we are humans being in the ocean of the sorrow she carried to labor. Is it justifying, the price we pay as veins became each contact we make when feet touch the grounded soil. Can the world still see all the plausible signs of an infection of infestation. The war on the environment is planted for Edible guidance. Yet it’s windows are dressed with bandages of restricted condemnation of Authentic Omnism. Now with the exception of the calm seas I see clearly, we are merely the inner workings of the eye of the world moving as light and reflection Amalgamate in Quietude. On my isle of isolation I touched the floor to another dimension, a plane where I stand before the perception that God is the eyes of the universe.
“Have a great day!” It’s a common wish among friends and well-wishers. We can easily say to someone “I hope that you have a great day today!,” and, unlike other hopes that we might have, is easy and effortless stuff.
At the core, it all depends upon what you make of your day. It has a different meaning for different people. Since we’re here, I’ll give you mine.
Simply put, my definition of “A great day” is easy as pie. A great day means getting up in the morning and being able to know that I have new episodes of podcasts to listen to in my feed.
Every weekday (barring major holidays), I start the day by listening to Nothing Personal with David Samson, a former Survivor castaway and President of the Miami Marlins. He’s smart, fresh, and funny.
A great day means that I can write. Since writing about combat sports is how I make my livelihood, I’ve had so many great days over the last six years.
Perhaps most importantly, a great day is one spent talking to and hanging out with the people most important me. The greatest days happens when my nieces get to spend time with me, their uncle.
Drew, your letter beautifully captures the essence of a great day. It’s all about finding joy in simple things like podcasts, writing, and spending time with loved ones. Keep making each day great!
Take the break you need. Rest when you need to. It’s ok. Of course, you will still be loved. Rest. Recharge. And the go continue to be the badass woman that youare.
It’s a perfect day, let’s go slay.
Waking up feels great, my body’s not in pain. My brain no longer insane, I’m tame.
I put my doc’s on and stroll out the door on this beautiful 80 degree day.
My gosh the beauty I see before me,
neighbors smiling and I am stylin’
Jeeps workin’ just fine wow that just blew my mind
I feel like I’m in a Muppet movie surrounded by singing
And dancing I feel fantastic not a bit sarcastic
nope…. no work today! Just me, myself, and I
Danielle, It sounds like you’re perfect day is an amazing day filled with joy and positivity! I’m glad that you embrace the beauty around you and enjoy your time off. It’s great to cherish the moments of relaxation and self-care. Keep that upbeat spirit going!
As I write this, it’s February 14th, Valentine’s Day, a day to celebrate love.
The phrase that comes to mind when pondering what love is – is “others,” aka being generous to someone else, as in NOT me. It is about making others happy.
When it comes to me, associating SELF with the word LOVE is as common as someone who doesn’t like Chinese food – very, very, VERY uncommon.
When the number reads 14, and the month reads February, for me, being single, the day is reserved for images of dark clouds and drooping flowers, instead of a rainbow perfectly expressing your range of beautiful emotions, whoever you are romantically attached to.
Reserving a table at your favorite restaurant, celebrating the day reserved to enjoy your significant others company is my personal definition of this day.
So, you can see why, as a single person, MY viewpoint of this day is filled with clouds and drooping flowers instead of the voraciously vibrant red roses.
I could point out a list of adjectives as large as jumbo popcorn: envy and sadness are a couple of kernels to explain how I feel about not having someone I am smitten over sitting on the other side of the table, making me feel that I’m with the only one and everyone at the same time.
Skewed and as untrue as it might be, having the one would make me feel whole. That said, as I am writing this, I am learning a very important lesson… there is a reason we have both iced and hot coffee.
So, with that, I’ll stop bringing out the appetizers and get to the main course: the reservation might be for two, just remember, adding a +1 does not mean you stop loving you, and self-love is love that NO person can give to you except ONE.. YOU!
And by the way, to my future Valentine (girlfriend) – since we love both of ourselves equally, we are splitting the cup because your self-love and my self-love is equally important to me and you.
Jake, this piece is incredibly beautiful, and honest. It truly was a piece written from the heart. Being single on valentine’s day can sting, but I am so glad you a recognizing the importance of loving yourself and treating yourself well. And when you do find that very special lady, having that self-love will allow you to love your partner in a…read more
Self-love has been a journey of a million miles after being torn down time and time again, insulted, hurt emotionally and physically. Self-love is difficult when you’re used to being lied to so much that your mind suddenly becomes your biggest bully. As I wrote in my poem about bullying that’s entitled Target “[when] the weight of the impact hits you repeatedly you learn how to fall apart without learning how to put yourself back together.” Self-love, that’s the chapter I’m on right now. I’ve read the words of Scripture that say “love your neighbor as yourself (Mk. 12:31)” and prayed for the courage to love myself as deeply as I love others. I’ve sat in the Confessional where a priest in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) pinpointed that I don’t love myself well. I’ve made many a visit to my therapists office with a self-love workbook in tow hoping that learning about it will help me to live it. It’s not perfect but I am learning.
I love how I’ve been unlearning the things I’ve learned from those who were trying to steal my light.
I love how despite the setbacks and difficulties you keep trying to put yourself together after you fall apart.
I love how you will say yes to anyone who asks you to dance because you want everyone to feel what it’s like to be accepted.
I love how you are everyone’s cheerleader. You believe so ardently in the beauty of other people’s dreams.
I love how excited you get when you get good news—you can hardly contain it and you just have to share with someone.
I love how you refuse to let apathy consume you but how you feel deeply and unapologetically.
I love how you speak from the heart.
I love how you valiantly stand up for the things you believe in even if no one is following you.
I love your tenacious spirit, your determination, and grit.
I love your ambition and drive to accomplish wonderful and beautiful things.
I love how you have a mother’s heart even though you have no children of your own.
I love that you want to heal the whole world with love.
But most of all if there is anything I love about you it’s this.
That even though the world has been so unkind to you, you choose to keep your heart soft and to be so kind to everyone you encounter.
Darling there is so much to love about you.
And I know that sometimes you forget that sometimes so I wrote this letter to you so when you’re down or discouraged and can’t remember any reason to love yourself you’ll have these 13 reasons to choose self-love.
Aww Hannah, you are right. There is SOOOOO much to love about you. This piece is so vulnerable and powerful. I love this line “That even though the world has been so unkind to you, you choose to keep your heart soft and to be so kind to everyone you encounter.”
It’s not easy to stay soft when the world has been hard on you, but that’s a testament…read more
How many times have I
Done this wicked communion?
I present my body and blood
Not for nourishment
But to be devoured until I am no more
He who eats and drinks of this
Cup unworthily drinks damnation
Unto himself
Unholy communion
Attached to eternal bliss
Forgotten pledge to the cross
As we kiss
We wrestled all night until
The sun peeks its head
above the horizon
And venerates
our bodies with light
You slumber still
I wide awake
Wondering what will this be
Will this man be it for me?
My God my Holy one
The father and son
My Savior
I still feel the essence of your spirit
Inside of me
I still taste the flavor
Of your skin
I still hear the echoes
From the wall
As I call for Jesus
Every inch graced
By your touch
It pleases
All my senses
As I come to the consensus
With my mind body spirit
And soul
You are my God
MY will I submit to you
Let the actions of my body
Be pleasing to you
Feel the eruption of my worship
As my living water flows
Heaven only knows
Dreams of monogamy
Carnal insecure thoughts wondering
If he is lying to me
Because last night we were on earth
Underneath the stars and the moon
Gazing and anticipating
Quiet heavy whispers
Questioning if it’s too soon
I only known you for a moment
But you’re familiar
Like always meant to be mine
Always meant to share space and time
In a past life we were distant lovers
Faithful Ritualistic promises of
See you next lifetime
Engraved in our DNA
And unconscious mind
It’s like I spent every life
searching for you
Too stunned to speak
Loving you from a distance
You noticed me
But we shied away
Translated as indifference
Wondering what am I missing
When will time be kind?
At this very moment
all the timelines
Align
All in-sync
Body to body
Melanin on melanin
Skin in skin
Shedding the weight of
Our earthly bodies and its sin
Ascending into the cosmos
Intertwining until we are one
Only God knows
When we shall be undone
The universe sings praises
And exalts our union
We are gods
The universe is pleased
I cover you just as Nut
Does for Geb
When he admires
Her beauty
We both intertwined
In this web
Of ethereal bliss
We fly past constellations,
planets and Galaxies
And make love
in the nebula clouds
Our sweat scattered across
The universe and heavens
As we take our rest
No need for words
While we lie naked
And undressed
Our chocolate bodies
Dancing in the shadows
Of my head
Heart distressed
At the potential mess
This could be
You’re asleep
And Wide awake I lay
In this bed
As the sun rises
From its slumber
the angels of light
Dance on the walls
of this room
I find peace and rest
in the quiet of
Heaven’s morning
And wait for the
Cleansing
Found in
Heaven’s afternoon
Pretty Dee, Your words are filled with passion and longing, painting a vivid picture of desire. Embrace the beauty of the moment and trust in the journey ahead. May you find the peace and cleansing you seek in the embrace of love.
The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.
My soul reflected upon a judgmental society of mirrors. I’m imperfect. Flawed as temptation slept with my mental plane. Each scar, each mark a precious flower gently shining in the dwelling seas, a déjà vu of my sanctuary. My strength cleaved at the depths of beauty, caressing the temple which God has given me. Embracing my Lows, and yet impregnating the highs of self love. Preserved in a vessel of love, kindness fondled my gaze of brittle strength as I strive to deal myself within a life lived fully. It’s a story wrestled with aggression, seduced to its primal adolescence and yet my shadow tries me. It indicates a lack of empathy, a bridge between languages of self doubt and inability. Is it the real me? A person to fill my soul with acceptance. Is the good in me a side with regretful feelings. A half that is faded with disease as my shadow walks underneath my skin. Is he my kin, a friend that completes me in a fullness that is peace. I want this word off my mind, this self love that released things which kept me back. The good was always seeking, searching, yearning for this mistress of acceptance while the shadows kept me in the light. I dated the dark, undercover her abuse and stood by her side. Indulging with her my other half a self where love can truely reside. I am whole, I am enough, I am free in these times of self love, I find my peace. If lost I’ll find you again, I’ll stay focus with a purpose until the days end when I’m up to bat at your love deep within my soul and embrace worth the wait.
Dear Rashan, your letter is a beautiful testament to self-acceptance and the journey towards self-love. Your words reflect strength and resilience, as you navigate the complexities of life. Embrace your imperfections and cherish the beauty they hold. You are enough, whole, and deserving of love. Keep seeking and embracing your true self.
I know it’s been a rough start to 2024. The health issues with both parents carried over from 2023. The skies above have been cloudy and gray for so many days. And since the end of the holidays, the days feel the same. Wake up, go to work and go to sleep.
Add to that, Valentine’s Day is coming up. Which tends to add on an extra layer to the sense of doom and gloom already being felt.
But I’m here to remind you, you’re not nothing. You light up in the world in so many ways.
Whether it be your beaming smile in the most candid of moments. The words that you put out that offer hope, even during the most difficult of days. Or, being as relentlessly positive for everyone in your life. The presence you carry each day resonates with other people.
I totally get it. As much as you appreciate everyone’s kind words, it tends not to stick around for very long.
This is your inner voice saying that you matter. You always have and always will.
Now, go forth and be the light that you wish to see in the world!
Hey Oswald, I know it’s been tough lately, but remember that you have a light within you that shines brightly. Your presence and positivity inspire others. Don’t forget that you matter and make a difference in the world. Keep being the light you wish to see. You got this!
Your inner voice is very smart. Of course you matter. And you do light up the world around you! I have been a witness to that! You are wonderful. I am sorry about your parents. I hope they are feeling better. Keep shining. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being part of our family. <3 Lauren
I unapologetically love me unconditionally
I apologize to my past selves for doing it indiscriminately
In order to be my best self would mean I am elated
It took a while and I’m proud to say it’s been reinstated
I do what makes me happy especially my inner child
She’s is so over the moon that her little heart smiles
She loves to color, sing and dance like no one is watching
It’s the growning soul and the little soul that are interlocking
She’s making all versions of her past self morph into her best self
Her happiness is her version of a prosperous wealth
Self love is psychological, spiritual growth and physical
With a proportional rainfall strictly biblical
It’s my definition and my own version
I am uniquely my own person
Thank you, God, for all that you have done for me and my family
I only got one life, and I want to do it right by being happy
No one can do me better than me. My only competition is me
My lessons are mine to learn only I would know
The path it took to get here and I’m not done though
I learn daily and I don’t claim to be perfect because I am human
I have to remind myself that life is a classroom
I’m not afraid of the lessons I let them pass through
I owe it to my heaven sent angel and angel who fluttered with his wings
You both are my life and light and also are my kings
It’s because of you I unapologetically love me unconditionally
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL words. You have such a gift. The way you spoke warmed my heart. I am so proud of you for owning your power and speaking your word! 💜 Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us in the future. Keep writing
iambrizei,Your letter is a beautiful expression of self-love and gratitude. It showcases your journey towards embracing and cherishing yourself unconditionally. Your words reflect a deep understanding of the importance of personal growth and happiness. Your acknowledgment of your past selves and your commitment to learning and evolving is…read more
BRI!!!!!! This piece is excellent! I absolutely love it! I love the rhyme and how it flows, and of course what a great message. I am so proud of you!! Giving you a standing ovation. <3 Lauren
My love;
I’m sorry for never seeing you
For constantly gas lighting.
Every time you tried to speak;
I silenced you like suppression.
You cried while I turned my back
I couldn’t even stand to see your reflection.
“LOOK AT ME!”
With salt stained cheeks and blood shot eyes
I finally see that its been you,
Staring back at me.
This beautiful, kind hearted piece of art;
Your strip wrapped breast & thighs, your tattoos
Tell me stories of your journey thus far.
Your mind is magnificently filled with knowledge; to mend the wounded.
I’m excited to finally fall completely in love with you
After all these foolish, wasteful, distasteful years.
Always yours; Forever mine
-Me
Being excited to fall in love with yourself is such a warm feeling! I really relate to this story and loved the words you used to describe the scene. I love the way you moved from apologizing/ feeling sorry to feeling excited about the beauty within it 🙂
Omg this is awesome. And the picture matches your story so well. I am so glad you have come to love yourself. You are so easy to love and there are so many reasons to love you. You definitely have a kind heart and are so smart! Keep loving you. You deserve it! <3 Lauren
The feelings I have inside are not easy ones to let out BUT THIS IS ME!
If you asked ME what is the FIRST THING people notice when I MYSELF enter a room it would and IS my LIMB and FISTED hand because of my cerebral palsy a physical disability
Often NOT ALWAYS the FIRST THING JAKE SEES is being treated DIFFERENTLY, but THIS IS ME I do not know any differently!!!
It’s easy for me to say I should be treated the SAME as others whose differences you can NOT SEE
Unfortunately oftenbNOT ALWAYS the WORLD does NOT teach enough about SOCIETY and how WE are ALL BORN DIFFERENTLY!!!
mine is just one you SEE!
I hope that WE can keep the MAIN thing the MAIN thing and that is we ALL have a heart
So I ask ALL to please let that be the MOST IMPORTANT thing WE SEE
Jake, I love how honest this piece is, and how you really take ownership of your story and your feelings. Thank you for sharing and thank you for being such a huge part of our community. <3 Lauren
This is such a beautiful story. All too often we judge people superficially. This is a soulful reminder that we are not our bodies, but rather our hearts. Thank you for putting your love into this poem. Keep it up 🙂